Jujamcyn Theaters Award - and 100 Grand- Goes to Irish Rep

According to Backstage, the Irish Repertory Theatre has been chosen to receive the 22nd Jujamcyn Theaters Award.

The award, given annually to a resident theatre organization that offers "outstanding contribution to the development of creative talent," includes a $100,000 prize.  The Irish Rep - which is currently presenting an extended run of the musical Meet Me in St. Louis - plans to use the prize money for its programming, rather than its previously announced campaign to purchase the two floors it occupies at 132 W. 22nd St. (the theatre is $4.3 million towards that $6 million goal).

"It's important to remember that there was a time, not so long ago, when it was the Irish, along with the Italians and the Jews, who were building a new America. The Irish brought poetry, passion, a thirst for independence, and a lust for life that spoke most brilliantly through the words of their dramatists. The Irish Rep has given voice to those words, and to the words of the next generation," said Jujamcyn President Rocco Landesman.

"Recognized with a special Drama Desk Award for 'Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama," and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work,' the Irish Repertory Theatre has celebrated the very best in Irish theatre for fifteen years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. More than 32,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre in the heart of New York's Off Broadway community. Once here they witness The Irish Repertory Theatre's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama," states the theatre's website.  Ciarán O'Reilly and Charlotte Moore founded the theatre in 1988.

Visit www.irishrep.org for more information on the theatre and for tickets to Meet Me in St. Louis.